The Avalanche won a second OT game and Nathan MacKinnon was the hero. The NHL has a transparency problem. Also, the Devils are still struggling, and the Habs have a new fan favorite.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 7.
Colorado Hockey Now
MacKinnon scored two beautiful goals in Colorado’s 3-2 OT victory on Saturday. The Avs outplayed the Rangers for most of the night, but still needed OT to finish them off.
It was quite the bounce-back performance from Thursday’s dud on Long Island.
READ MORE: The Aftermath: MacKinnon Shines Twice, Avalanche Win Much-Needed OT Game
The game got to OT because of a game-tying goal late in regulation. Following that tally, the NHL reviewed the goal for what appeared to be a puck that was played with a high stick by Artemi Panarin. It should’ve negated the goal, but the official ultimately announced that the goal stands after the lengthy review.
Here’s the problem: The replay clearly showed a high stick, but the official didn’t give any reasoning as to why the goal counted. The NHL has a transparency problem. They could easily train their officials to explain why a goal stands or is disallowed. It happens sometimes, but not all the time.
READ MORE: 10 Observations: Goal? No Goal? The NHL Often Leaves Us Guessing
Around The NHL
Montreal Hockey Now:Â Not many things can create a hometown fan favorite in Montreal like a player scoring a game-deciding goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
New Jersey Hockey Now:Â Make that five straight losses for New Jersey, as the struggles continue for the Jack Hughes-less Devils.
Florida Hockey Now:Â I hope you had the over in the Panthers, Blue Jackets game on Friday. Columbus scored six goals but still lost in OT. On a relatable note, Miles Wood is having himself a great bounceback season and is on pace to shatter his career high in goals and points.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: All this talk around the quality of ice for the upcoming Winter Olympics. Sidney Crosby doesn’t care, he just wants to play.
